The Effects of Cold Temperatures on Infants

You've probably been told by a well-meaning relative that you shouldn't take your infant outside in cold temperatures. Though times have changed, it's still important to follow proper safety precautions before you venture out into frigid temperatures with your little one. Babies are more susceptible to extreme weather, because they are less able to regulate their body temperature, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  1. Hypothermia

    • Even if it doesn't feel that cold to you, when the temperature drops, your infant is at risk of hypothermia. Infants have low levels of subcutaneous fat and a "decreased ability to shiver," notes the AAP. This makes them more prone to hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia in infants include lethargy and bright, red skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of hypothermia is highest in very cold temperatures, but your infant is also at risk in slightly warmer temperatures if she gets wet from snow or rain or if she sweats in her cold-weather clothing.

    Frostbite

    • When skin and outer tissues become frozen, the condition is called frostbite. It's likely to develop on your infant's ears, lips, fingers, toes and nose. If your baby's skin is exposed to frigid temperatures for more than a few minutes, her skin might become pale, gray or blistered, all of which are warning signs of frostbite. If you notice such signs, get your infant medical attention right away to prevent further complications.

    Other Conditions

    • For some babies, cold temperatures could result in recurring nosebleeds, even if she doesn't spend a lot of time outdoors. The AAP recommends using a cold air humidifier to moisturize the air and applying petroleum jelly around the nasal cavities to keep the area moist. Cold weather can also result in dry skin, so limit infant baths to two or three per week.

    Precautions

    • Not only should you learn the signs of cold temperature exposure in infants, know what precautions to take when the temperature dips. When you take your little one outdoors in cold weather, the AAP recommends dressing in her several thin layers of clothing. Put boots, a hat and mittens on her to protect her extremities. Dress her in one more layer than you are usually comfortable wearing yourself while indoors and outdoors.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Mississippi Laws on Car Seat Safety
      Mississippi has some of the most lax laws on car-seat safety of all the states. Most of the laws are far below the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If you are a parent in Mississippi, it is important to be aware
    • How to Take a Childs Temperature
      Caring for a child who might have a fever can be stressful. But on top of that, many parents feel unsure about how to go about taking their child’s temperature. You may be wondering what type of thermometer to use, the best way to use it, how ofte
    • How to Baby-Proof Windows
      It is common to baby-proof outlets, stairs and doorknobs, but often parents forget one of the other hazards that can harm a baby, including windows, according to BabyCenter. Windows present a hazard to your child because he can fall out of a window t